Will you be my Valentine? This cute little phrase is being introduced to school children and is written in some form on a variety of greeting cards and gift items this time of year, to celebrate Valentine's Day. Where did this event originate and why is it so popular?
Roman Roots: The history of Valentine's Day is obscure, and further clouded by various fanciful legends. The holiday's roots are in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration founded by witchcraft, commemorated annually on February 15th, with human, goat and dog sacrifices. Eventually the Romans couldn't remember the Greek god's name so they changed it to one of theirs, Lupercalia, a she-wolf who was said to have suckled the twins Romulus and Remus. Then Pope Gelasius I, recast this pagan festival as a Christian feast-day circa 496, declaring February 14th to be Saint Valentine's Day, after several possible saint candidates by the name of Valentine. The pagan festival celebrated EROS love and the Christian feast celebrated AGAPE love.
Eros n. Greek Mythology —1: the Greek god of erotic love, son of Aphrodite— CUPID 2: the aggregate of life-preserving instincts that are manifested as to gratify basic needs (as sex) yearning, love, or desire
Unlike our English word "love," agape is not used in the Bible to refer to romantic or sexual love. Agape love is unique and is distinguished by its nature and character.
Now that we have answered my first question and a little more, let's deal with the second question: Why is Valentine's Day so poplar? Many people see it as something fun, emotional and sentimental, the giving of a card or small gifts expressing love to another person; but what kind of love?
Let's remember the origin of the festival. Nothing has changed its origins, just because people want to cover it up with sentimental ideas, change the name of it, or change the meaning to something else. There are hidden dangers that are spiritual, even when done in ignorance; things and habits that are contrary to the ways of God. The appeal also has to do more with the desires of the carnal nature; this is seen on two levels. The first is sex; the second is money. I realize that sex might seem to be a bit too harsh when some one's talking to children about Valentine's day. But, innocent children have always been the prey of perverse people and perverse minds. Something as simple as a card or candy has lured many children into harmful ways. And it all begins somewhere; and their little minds don't comprehend the complete implications of the practice or holiday. Their minds are fertile ground for seeds of perversion and lust that over the years will eventually blossom at the wrong times, bearing fruit in the wrong ways—as can be seen in our society. Unfortunately, sex and romance are also strong selling points through advertising and entertainment companies. Which lead us to the second level: money.
Most man-made holidays pander to the pocket books of the public, some more than others. The more "hip," the more money they will make off people, and it seems more people are willing and even glad to oblige. More engagement rings are sold in February, as to be given on Valentine's Day, than any other holiday—not to mention red roses, chocolates, and candlelight dinners. People often feel obligated to the other person because of some expectation of the other person or because of society. All this has little to do with true love.
If your boyfriend or husband doesn't do something for you on February 14th, this doesn't necessarily mean he loves you less or not at all. At least it shouldn't. Love should be demonstrated every day, sometimes in ways that are not even seen; the giving and the sacrifice that some make to maintain a relationships is often difficult.
One should live out of relational commitment, and not from the emotions or the pressures of traditions from man-made events as to create a false sense of security. Many of those feelings are here today and gone tomorrow. And often the only thing left are vain and sad memories, faded photographs and some wilted roses (perhaps some weight gain too, because you might not feel loved the way you want to be loved, or you're unable to forgive when you feel used, cheated or robbed). Love needs to be stronger than any of that, or it isn't really love at all. And if your partner's only recourse is, "If you love me, you will do this or that," well, I guess it isn't love they're really looking for, but a false sense of security or power that will never be satisfied.
A husband should not feel obligated to meet every expectation or say yes to everything a wife wants or feels she needs. The husband should be in an vibrant and real relationship with Jesus, and should be sensitive to the wife's true needs and desires. The wife should look to Jesus, yet be humble enough and honorable enough to see Jesus in her husband. Both should have their eyes on Jesus. There should never be fears or jealousy between each other because their trust is to be in God to meet their needs, even the emotional ones that seem forgotten at times. Jesus is all we really need at any time, not just on special days.
There are those who see nothing wrong with celebrating Valentine's Day, just as they seen nothing wrong with Christmas or Easter. One should feel giddy and privileged to show and demonstrate how much they enjoy one another. I don't disagree with those actions, but not because of a pagan festival! Again, the Bible forbids mixture and the worship of foreign gods and man-made traditions. Our focus as Christian should be on Jesus Christ and His Holy Days, and not on one another. Many people don't realize that much of their emotions are carnal, founded on the world system's dictation and exploitation of them. A spouse should never feel obligated to demonstrate their love on special days established by man or the world-system.
In the Kingdom of God, love flows naturally from pure hearts. Jesus never went around and told people that he loved them; He showed love by the faithfulness and commitment to God first and then to others; He also taught his disciples to do the same. In the New Testament, many women loved Jesus and he loved them too; but not the same as carnal men would. He never told any of them to come back and see him privately. Yes, he was a bachelor, but he never let his human desires and emotions rule His life. Even though he laughed and wept at times, his heart was always tied to the heart of the Father (including the Father's emotions). Our heart should also embrace His heart. Again, Jesus is all we really need at any time, not just on special days.
Many women and men have been deceived by carnal holidays, just as Eve was deceived in the Garden of Eden, with Adam following. They both believed the lies, and as a result they both lost sight of their one true love; and that relationship was broken—it was never the same after that. Oh, how that must of hurt both them and God. I look foreword to the day when all hearts will be restored, all being taught by the Lord again. He alone is God, and all mankind will have to forsake all their shameful gods along with their holidays.
Most man-made holidays pander to the pocket books of the public, some more than others. The more "hip," the more money they will make off people, and it seems more people are willing and even glad to oblige. More engagement rings are sold in February, as to be given on Valentine's Day, than any other holiday—not to mention red roses, chocolates, and candlelight dinners. People often feel obligated to the other person because of some expectation of the other person or because of society. All this has little to do with true love.
If your boyfriend or husband doesn't do something for you on February 14th, this doesn't necessarily mean he loves you less or not at all. At least it shouldn't. Love should be demonstrated every day, sometimes in ways that are not even seen; the giving and the sacrifice that some make to maintain a relationships is often difficult.
One should live out of relational commitment, and not from the emotions or the pressures of traditions from man-made events as to create a false sense of security. Many of those feelings are here today and gone tomorrow. And often the only thing left are vain and sad memories, faded photographs and some wilted roses (perhaps some weight gain too, because you might not feel loved the way you want to be loved, or you're unable to forgive when you feel used, cheated or robbed). Love needs to be stronger than any of that, or it isn't really love at all. And if your partner's only recourse is, "If you love me, you will do this or that," well, I guess it isn't love they're really looking for, but a false sense of security or power that will never be satisfied.
A husband should not feel obligated to meet every expectation or say yes to everything a wife wants or feels she needs. The husband should be in an vibrant and real relationship with Jesus, and should be sensitive to the wife's true needs and desires. The wife should look to Jesus, yet be humble enough and honorable enough to see Jesus in her husband. Both should have their eyes on Jesus. There should never be fears or jealousy between each other because their trust is to be in God to meet their needs, even the emotional ones that seem forgotten at times. Jesus is all we really need at any time, not just on special days.
There are those who see nothing wrong with celebrating Valentine's Day, just as they seen nothing wrong with Christmas or Easter. One should feel giddy and privileged to show and demonstrate how much they enjoy one another. I don't disagree with those actions, but not because of a pagan festival! Again, the Bible forbids mixture and the worship of foreign gods and man-made traditions. Our focus as Christian should be on Jesus Christ and His Holy Days, and not on one another. Many people don't realize that much of their emotions are carnal, founded on the world system's dictation and exploitation of them. A spouse should never feel obligated to demonstrate their love on special days established by man or the world-system.
In the Kingdom of God, love flows naturally from pure hearts. Jesus never went around and told people that he loved them; He showed love by the faithfulness and commitment to God first and then to others; He also taught his disciples to do the same. In the New Testament, many women loved Jesus and he loved them too; but not the same as carnal men would. He never told any of them to come back and see him privately. Yes, he was a bachelor, but he never let his human desires and emotions rule His life. Even though he laughed and wept at times, his heart was always tied to the heart of the Father (including the Father's emotions). Our heart should also embrace His heart. Again, Jesus is all we really need at any time, not just on special days.
Many women and men have been deceived by carnal holidays, just as Eve was deceived in the Garden of Eden, with Adam following. They both believed the lies, and as a result they both lost sight of their one true love; and that relationship was broken—it was never the same after that. Oh, how that must of hurt both them and God. I look foreword to the day when all hearts will be restored, all being taught by the Lord again. He alone is God, and all mankind will have to forsake all their shameful gods along with their holidays.
God has put within the heart of mankind the desire for worship, adventure, romance and partying—and especially partying. That is why He established many celebratory Feast and Holy Days. People were meant to get together out of love for God and love for one another, having fun playing, camping, eating, drinking, dancing, laughing, singing, praying, and worshiping. Even as couples, friends, and family, we are meant to demonstrate our love in many ways, including the giving of gifts. These gifts can be simple, lavish or sacrificial, but they should never be conditional or given expecting something in return. It is also best if not done out of some obligation or because of some man-made reason. However, we should never feel limited to just Bible Holy Days, but allow the Holy Spirit to guide your heart to do special things for those you love. You can even make plans together or make it a surprise, just as God does with us.
